'Santa Claus' picks up huge tab, paying off entire Walmart store’s lot of layaway items

An unidentified man showed up at a Walmart in Derby, Vermont, on Thursday and paid off every single item that was on layaway — leaving some of the recipients of the man's goodwill in shock.

What are the details?

Julie Gates, a witness to the incredible expression of kindness and goodwill, said that she was in line with the mystery man to pick up her own package, according to a report from WCAX-TV.

"This can't be," she said. "Who can afford to just pay for everyone's layaway? And he said, 'Santa Claus can.'"

She added, "There were people ahead of me that were eight-, nine-hundred dollar layaways," Gates marveled.

The store did not disclose how much the man paid for the items, or how many people were recipients of his gesture.

The station reported that the man's identity still remains unknown at the time of this writing.

What are other people saying?

Tammy Desautels, one woman who received a surprise from her unknown benefactor, was in disbelief when she heard the news of the man's actions.

"It was kind of like surreal when they said no balance due, then it was really a reality," Desautels said. "Really have a feeling that there is hope for mankind or whatever. There's still good people out there."

Another woman, Sandra Cortez, said that she also was in shock.

"I thought it was a rumor," she added.

According to the station, the store's layaway room was packed full to the gills prior to the man showing up at the Walmart location. The mystery man paid for every last thing inside.

"I get goosebumps thinking that — that is the true magic of Christmas," Gates added. "That's the Christmas spirit walking among us."